McKinley Park Neighborhood Plan

Parks and open space are central to the livability of a community and the quality of life of its residents. McKinley Park’s residents enjoy access to 72.5 acres of open space, the majority of which are located in the neighborhood’s namesake park. The park offers various leisure opportunities and recreational activities that attract both residents and visitors from surrounding neighborhoods. Preserving and enhancing these neighborhood assets is an important aspect of improving the quality of life of residents.

Preserve and enhance McKinley Park’s natural resources, and improve recreational facilities at Hoyne Park and other smaller public parks

Preserving and enhancing McKinley Park’s natural resources and recreational opportunities will ensure that the community is livable for generations to come. MPDC should coordinate with the neighborhood’s park advisory councils to seek out programs and funding sources that can maintain and preserve the neighborhood’s natural and recreational assets. A potential partner in these efforts is Friends of the Parks, an advocacy organization that supports park advisory councils throughout the city by providing technical assistance, workshops, networking meetings, and funding through Seed Grants.

Activate Western Boulevard and celebrate its historical significance as an extension of the Chicago boulevard system

The presence of Western Boulevard in McKinley Park is a neighborhood asset that should be activated and celebrated for its historical significance. Western Boulevard offers passive open space and is an important link between McKinley Park and other key destinations. Improving access to the boulevard with safe pedestrian connections and enhanced bike infrastructure could help activate this important extension of Chicago’s boulevard system. The open space along Western Boulevard’s median can also be enhanced with native plants that would not only create an aesthetically pleasing landscape, but also provide services like stormwater management. MPDC should coordinate with the alderman’s office to engage the Chicago Department of Transportation in the activation and enhancement of Western Boulevard.

Engage McKinley Park Residents in the maintenance of their community park

The neighborhood’s parks advisory councils are an important avenue for engaging residents in the maintenance of community parks, through events like McKinley Park Stewardship Day. To support existing efforts, MPDC should coordinate with all of the neighborhood’s park advisory councils to organize and market regular community-wide volunteer days, and other opportunities for residents to become stewards of community parks.

Photo gallery from "Politicos, Neighbors Flock to Parks for Spring Kickoff Events," published April 24, 2018, in the McKinley Park News.

A number of community programs, like the farmers market, community gardens, and beautification initiatives, make for an active and cohesive neighborhood. However, many of these initiatives are run by volunteers, which poses a challenge to sustaining and expanding community programming. Volunteer-driven activities should be supported through available resources, so that community programming for all ages could be enhanced.

Encourage active transportation and healthy living through programs and activities

Throughout the planning process, residents expressed a desire for a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly environment, which can contribute to community health. Community-wide events should be organized in conjunction with partners like Active Transportation Alliance, the Chicago Park District, and local hospitals and health care providers to encourage the use of active transportation and communicate the benefits of walking and biking. Recommendation 7.1 outlines additional strategies for encouraging the use of active transportation in McKinley Park.

Support community programming volunteers

Supporting volunteers through available resources is an important component of sustaining and expanding community programming in McKinley Park. MPDC should seek grant funding, from organizations like the Chicago Community Trust, to support the work of volunteers. Volunteer fairs and other events should be organized to encourage more community involvement from the neighborhood’s residents.

Continue to develop community programming for all ages

Residents and visitors of all ages should have opportunities to participate in McKinley Park’s community programming. Programs for adults and seniors should be expanded to improve community engagement and the health and well being of all residents. Potential programs could include adult health and wellness classes, a neighborhood runners club, and recreational opportunities for active seniors.

Strengthen year-round activities for youth

Young people make up a substantial portion of McKinley Park’s population. Currently the neighborhood’s youth has access to a variety of recreational opportunities, like the the Omega Delta Youth Baseball and Softball League. Outdoor activities are a great way to engage the neighborhood’s young people during warmer months; however, year-round activities should be strengthened. The neighborhood’s youth should be engaged in the development of year-round activities, to ensure that any future programs are of interest to the neighborhood’s young residents.

A photo gallery shows the 2018 opening day for Omega Delta Baseball as published in the McKinley Park News.

Utilize public spaces for community-building activities

McKinley Park’s public spaces have the potential to bring residents together to engage in community-building activities. For example, the neighborhood’s namesake park could become a venue for annual arts and culture events that celebrate the diversity and unique character of the neighborhood. Smaller parks throughout the neighborhood should also be activated with community-building activities, such as painting of community murals, as well as events like movies in the park and park clean up days.